Visiting EcoReality Co-op on Salt Spring Island, BC

We were welcomed at EcoReality Co-op by Jan Steinman and Cleome Rowe (top right) and the goats. EcoReality Co-op is an ecovillage at the southern tip of Salt Spring Island working to be a model of cooperative, sustainable land habitation and land use.

Jan’s “Veggie Van Gogh” truck (top left) took me back to the early 1970s when I bought the identical vehicle (used) to convert to a motorhome and travel like we’re doing now. I named it “Van Gogh”, loving the pun. Looks like that model of delivery truck knows what its name is!

Jan’s farm is sprinkled with clever re-purposing. Camper shells and travel trailers get a second life as goat shelters and chicken houses. Our mobile studio felt in good company with other RVs which provide temporary housing for farm interns.

Rising above the 19th century farmhouse is Mount Maxwell, which affords a spectacular view of the south gulf islands. We climbed it one sleety day, where I painted this watercolor. EcoReality is at the bottom right.

Comments

My name is Thomas Kamiya who was a member of WWOOF-CANADA (2010 ~ 2011 ), USA (2012 ) , JAPAN ( 2013 ~ 2014 ) , a retired certified heavy-duty mechanic from Vancouver , BC . Since retiring in 2009 , I have visited organic farms across Canada ( 100 ) , USA ( 55 ) , JAPAN ( 100 ) to teach farmers the skills and strategies to keep their equipment in good working order . Also I can be doing to help out with daily farm tasks . I am doing this because I am interested in healthy living , particularly organic farming and foods and its contribution to public health .

I am planing another trip this year to visit organic farms in the Gulf Island and Vancouver Island . If you might be available and interested in hosting me during my tour as WWOOfer , please contact me . You can read more about my tours athttp://www.organicmechanic.ca . 604-321-8571

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I love your show! Community, construction, food and energy all at a cooperative scale. You really do display a shining example of a responsible way forward. - Scott Alexander

I just want to thank you for the program on dismantling corporate rule, especially in small communities where we can feel like sitting sucks... I am not, by anyones measure, an actvist but I am proactive and love the concepts offered here. -- Myan Sorenson

I hope that you two have such an amazing, ongoing odyssey of learning, exploration, and story telling. -- Mark Lakeman